A museum wedding in the heart of downtown – could anything be more romantic? We’re currently obsessing over Annie and Craig gorgeously modern and simply elegant wedding. Congrats to the happy couple!
The proposal
I was a gymnast at the University of Iowa in college and my husband knows how much the team and my school mean to me. We had planned a weekend to travel from Michigan where we live, to see a football game in Iowa City with my family like we do every year. I had told my coach we’d be stopping in to practice before the game, but she had already been working with my husband to plan my proposal. She told me we were shooting an Alumni video to help promote the team, so once we started rolling, all the girls on the team started handing me roses. This went on for a couple of minutes and finally, my husband walked over, got down on one knee, and asked me to spend forever with him. My coach had also arranged a special treat in the stadium press boxes complete with cupcakes and champagne for us before the game. It was perfect and so “me.”
Finding the perfect Martina Liana dress
I wanted to feel and look sexy, glamorous, yet classy. I have always been a sucker for intricate and open backs of dresses, so I knew I wanted to have that “wow” factor. I also knew I wanted a train for added drama, as well as something with straps that I wouldn’t have to fuss over all day. My dress shopping experiences was a wonderful whirlwind. I had my mom and two MOH’s come with me to San Francisco to try on anything and everything at four different boutiques. My bridal stylist called it during our appointment, saying she felt like I was a “Martina Liana girl.” She and my mom actually picked out my wedding dress.
The wedding details
Our wedding was classy, elegant, and fun. We wanted the day to be as stress-free as possible for us and our wedding party and most importantly, for our guests to have an amazing evening.
The ceremony and reception were both at the Grand Rapids Art Museum right in the heart of downtown. My husband and I met in the city and it felt right to have the biggest day of our lives take place there. The space is very big and open with a gorgeous glass staircase that served as a “wow factor” for our Grand Entrance. Our colors were dusty purple and gold, with lots of greenery and warm lights.
Seeing my husband for the first time walking down the aisle was by far my favorite memory. We kept things traditional and opted to skip the “first look” wedding photos. The moment was so warm, magical, and joyful. I’ve never felt anything like it before.
